Near the end of the consistently fun and high-spirited "Nancy Drew and her Biggest Case Ever" — First Stage's astounding 50th world premiere — Nancy wishes aloud that she had telepathic powers. Hannah (Niffer Clarke), the Drews' faithful housekeeper, quickly rejects such nonsense. "I think you do just fine with the brain you have," she responds.

No argument here, after watching what co-authors Jeff Frank (who also directs) and John Maclay have wrought, through a play that's destined for a long life on numerous stages. | May 4, 2014»Read Full Article

As Dave Matthews Band prepares to hit the road for its annual summer road trip across the United States — which will visit the Marcus Amphitheater July 2 during Summerfest this year — the band is helping fans get in the live mood with the release of two new "Summer Tour Warm Up" videos, and the promise of more to come.

Featuring a look in at shows from last year's summer trek, the two videos represent the band's past and present. The first video — recorded live last May at The Woodlands, Texas — is a nine-minute romp through one of the band's biggest hits and a live staple, "Ants Marching," which anchored its 1994 major label debut, "Under the Table and Dreaming," but also dates back to the band's earliest days and is featured in its 1993 independent live debut, "Remember Two Things." The second video — from the next night in Dallas — is a new live favorite, "Rooftop," from its most recent studio album, 2012's "Away From the World." Watch both videos below. And, as the tour approaches, keep an eye on the band's YouTube channel for new live videos. | May 4, 2014»Read Full Blog Post